Install Garmin Basecamp:

http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/us/onthetrail/basecamp – Attention – do not download Basecamp at the moment from Garmin itself – due to broken MapInstall (4.2.0).

Just run the installer – it is self explaining. Garmin Basecamp is the best program to use the OpenMTBMaps and Velomaps. Attention – Mapinstall 4.2.0 – which comes with Basecamp 4.7.0 is heavily bugged, wait for a fixed version or downgrade to 4.6.2 Windows or 4.6.3 OSx

Why to not use Garmin Mapsource anymore!

Attention – I do not recommend to use Mapsource anymore except for sending maps to older generation devices!

Some reasons:

a) It’s not developed anymore since 2010

b) It does not show OpenMTBMap or VeloMap contourlines! (it will send them though to your device)

c) It has no proper database to store tracks or routes – yes undertanding the concept of the database in Basecamp is not easy – but once you got it, it is pretty well done!

So why would you still use Mapsource?

Well to send maps to older generation devices like Vista HCx or GPSMaps 60CSx or even older. Basically to all devices that only support a single gmapsupp.img file! The advantage is that with Mapsource you can select the region on fullscreen – instead of the small popup screen of Basecamp/MapInstaller. Also it will display you a list of all selected tiles – this can be useful for debugging (though normal users don’t need this).

Another reason would be that Garmin Mapsource has a search function that is identical to your GPS Device. The search function is actually much better than the Basecamp search function – but for general use I don’t think that makes it worth-wile to stick to Mapsource.

So just install Garmin Basecamp instead:

For Reference only – Install Mapsource without owning an old Garmin Device

There are several programs to display VeloMaps on your PC/notebook. The most popular is still Garmin Mapsource – even though it is superseeded by Garmin Basecamp and also Qlandkarte GT is on the way to overtake it. Garmin Mapsource is not develloped anymore, but version 6.16.3 runs still pretty well and has no big bugs. There is a catch however. Garmin only provides updates, no actual installation packages. Therfore below I describe two ways how you can install Mapsource legally nevertheless.

People who have bought a Garmin GPS will have a CD shipped with it including Mapsource. I recommend to use the most uptodate version by Garmin (as of writing this is 6.16.3)

Earlier versions of Mapsource (also 6.13.6) are now incompatible with the VeloMaps as they do not show all ways and streets!!!! Use at least 6.16.1 or higher. Note that while Basecamp shows contourlines, Garmin Mapsource doesn’t. Hence for general use I recommend Garmin Basecamp instead.

Classic Way of Installation without already having Mapsource installed (please install everything as administrator)

1. Install Garmin Basecamp. You can download Garmin Basecamp. This is also a great tool for viewing maps, or planning routes and tracks.

Note Mapsource will only install if you have done 1. and 2. before. It is essential that you first install two maps AND Garmin Basecamp – else you have to do the advanced way of installation below

I recommend installing a second map (good idea is to install the map legend so you can get to know the layout!!!) because you need to have two maps installed before the map selector shows up. Essentially 1 map would be enough also.

Advanced Way of Installation without already having Mapsource installed

First install at least one VeloMap (just run the .exe)

Attention, Mapsource will not install correctly until you have a at least one map installed. So if you forgot step 1, do it now! Go to https://www.velomap.org/download/ and download the map(s) of your choice and install at least one map!

Unpack or extract the content of setup_MapSource.exe using 7zip (www.7-zip.org), WinRAR or another good unpacker.

From the extracted files, first run MAIN.msi.

Then, run Setup.exe. Note: The sequence to execute Main.msi and then Setup.exe is important to avoid “Previous MapSource not found!” error.

Garmin MapSource is now installed. I recommend installing a second map (good idea is to install the map legend so you can get to know the layout!!!) because you need to have two maps installed before the map selector shows up.

Note I still recommend to install Garmin Basecamp nevertheless

Attention Mapsource 6.13 6.14 and 6.15 Users:

Please update to at least 6.16.1 — earlier Mapsource versions miss a lot of ways and streets and make the maps unusable.

Parallel installation of several Mapsource versions:

Simply unpack a mapsource update (see links above), run MAIN.msi and then rename mapsource.exe to something else. e.g. mapsource_6.13.6.exe and then copy it into your main Garmin Mapsource installation folder (usually c:/garmin). Now you can decide which of the two versions you want to use.

4 comments to Install Garmin Basecamp (and maybe Mapsource)

I hate bothering people but am a bit puzzled!
Your install process description says ‘get Basecamp and Mapinstall’.
But when I click the link there’s nothing on Mapinstall. (but a lot on Mapsource)
Do I miss something?

well – because installing Garmin Basecamp is self explaining – while installing MapSource had more requirements. However now with Garmin Basecamp 4.7.0 being broken – it’s more complicated. I just updated the page to link to all working downloads.

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